Lesson No.

01(a)
NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM Date 23-24
(NSTP-CWTS 2) Sept.
2013
Lesson Title Social Advocacy and National Development
Lesson Target State the definition/nature of Social Advocacy
References
Title
Author Page
Number(s)

Social Advocacy

to advance the interests of social justice, particularly on behalf of populations or groups that have
been disadvantaged, disempowered, or discriminated against

the representation done by anyone committed to the concerns of any particular group in society

scrutinizes even the codified law that might at times perpetuate wrong behaviour(s) to the
disadvantage of the voiceless and weaker members of community or society.

social advocates have good analytical skills and are fearless individuals who will stand for what they
believe in for the benefit of the underprivileged, oppressed or disadvantaged.

got nothing to do with one's academic achievements or profession although education is also a factor
when it comes to social advocates' skills.

about helping you to speak up for yourself, to make sure that your views and opinions are heard and
understood. If you find it hard, or you are unable to speak for yourself then you may find an 'Advocate'
who can help you.

when someone supports you to speak up, or speaks on your behalf to help you get what you are
entitled to. (Mendson Mjulumba Mpofu)

An advocate should be free from conflicts of interest with those providing services to the person they
are working with and should represent the other person's interests as if they were the Advocate's
own.

speaking acting, writing with minimal conflict of interest on behalf of the sincerely perceived interests
of a disadvantaged person or group to promote, protect and defend their welfare and justice by

� being on their side and no-one else’s

� being primarily concerned with their fundamental needs

� remaining loyal and accountable to them in a way which is emphatic and vigorous and which is, or
is likely to be, costly to the advocate or advocacy group
Types/Forms of Advocacy

A number of different types of advocacy exist. The strength of each advocacy type depends on how well the
individual, group or organization’s advocacy efforts meet the key elements expressed in the definition of
advocacy. Sometimes only two types of advocacy are talked about, individual and systems. Self advocacy
and citizen advocacy are often regarded as individual advocacy. Parent advocacy is often regarded as either
individual or systems.

1. Individual Advocacy Here the advocate concentrates their efforts on one or two people only. There are
two common forms of individual advocacy:

a. Informal Advocacy

Parents, brothers and sisters, relatives, friends who take on advocacy roles are all examples
of informal individual advocacy.

individual advocacy efforts can and do last many years, often in significant isolation

solo efforts can isolate individual advocates from their communities by the very nature of their
efforts, particularly where the issue is controversial or perceived as detrimental to the wider
system/environment in which the issue is placed.

Individual advocates are encouraged to link with advocacy groups for information resources
and further contacts

b. Voluntary community based organizations

voluntary community based organizations that pay staff to advocate for individuals.

2. Citizen Advocacy

a community based movement that aims to recognize, promote and defend the rights, well being and
interests of people with intellectual and/or multiple disabilities. It does so by finding and supporting
caring, responsible citizens who make long-term voluntary commitment to make a positive difference
in the life of a person who may be lonely, face difficult challenges, or be in “at risk” situations.

Each Citizen Advocacy relationship is unique. The citizen advocate may for example, offer his or her
protégé friendship, new experiences and opportunities, spokesmanship and protection from abuse.

3. Systems Advocacy.

primarily concerned with influencing and changing the system (legislation, policy and practices) in
ways that will benefit people with a disability as a group within society.

will encourage changes to the law, government and service policies and community attitudes. Usually
systems advocacy do not do individual advocacy. To do so can cause conflict around the use of
resources, focus and purpose.

4. Parent Advocacy.

concerned with advocating on issues that affect the person with a disability and their family. The
focus is on the needs of the person with a disability, not the parents or family.

However, some parent advocacy focuses on the needs of parents first. Whilst parents have
substantial needs for support and resources, when we talk about parent advocacy we mean
advocacy by parent groups for people with a disability.
5. Self/Peer Advocacy.

undertaken by person or group who share the same characteristics or interests on behalf of the same
person or group. The difficulty with this form of advocacy is that sometimes those undertaking
advocacy and speaking up for themselves are likely to be further exposed and be more vulnerable to
abuse, discrimination and ridicule as a result of speaking up for themselves.

Key Elements Of Advocacy

1. Functioning by speaking out, acting or writing

Advocacy is active. It involves doing something. It may be writing letters to politicians, raising issues
of concern to organisations or services, being with a person when they are confronted with situations
they find difficult, being with a person where they could be taken advantage of or fighting for a
person’s right to live a more fulfilling life.

2. Minimal conflict of interest

This issue lies at the core of advocacy and is one of the hardest, most important issues to come to
grips with. In any situation there will be more than one person or groups’ interests that will be in
conflict or competition with the interest of a person with a disability.

you need to be clear as to how your interest and needs may be in conflict with the person for whom
you are advocating. As an advocate you must identify and attempt to reduce conflicts of interest or, at
least, be prepared to acknowledge your limitations as an advocate.

3. Sincerely perceived interests

This issue is one of the most complex and difficult issues for advocates to address. The advocate
does not just speak up for what a person may want or what a person may be interested in

Identifying what is in a person’s interests, what they need versus what they want is a difficult process.

4. Promotion of person’s welfare, well being and justice

As an advocate you do this precisely because the well being of, and justice for, disadvantaged,
devalued people is often risk. Things we take for granted are often not available for people with
disabilities. Devalued people are apt to be treated as sub-human with all the degrading, inhumane
treatment that accompanies such notions of devalued people and people with disability in particular.

One must be convinced that the dynamics of oppression are a constant reality in these people’s lives,
so that our advocacy efforts are aimed at enhancing and protecting the value, the competencies and
the image of the person for whom we are advocating, as opposed to promoting devalued social roles
and images.

5. Vigour of action Advocacy requires:

� fervour and depth of feeling in advancing the cause or interest of another

� taking a lead, initiating

� sense of urgency

� doing more than what is done routinely

� challenging the community

6. Costs

Advocacy can involve costs to the advocate and to the person needing advocacy and these costs
must be considered. To say that advocacy costs, is not to say that people with disability are costly to
be with. The cost element of advocacy reflects the demands of all strong advocacy, whether for
people with disability or advocacy for another purpose, for example, environmental causes.
Recognizing that advocacy costs, helps advocates to prepare and understand what may happen to
them when they do advocacy. People with disability need advocates who are prepared and able to be
there for the long haul.

Other Key Elements Of Advocacy

1. Being on the side of the disadvantaged party

Advocacy is biased; it does not claim to be neutral. It is not about mediating, facilitating or negotiating
on behalf of someone. It means placing yourself fundamentally on the side of the person with a
disability. If you are advocating for – then you will be advocating against as well. There is no middle
road. It does not mean you will have to be aggressive or confrontational although some situations
may warrant that. It simply means clearly, consistently, and firmly acting and speaking on behalf of
one person or group of people.

2. Fidelity / Stick-to-it-ness

Advocacy involves being there over the long run. This may involve making commitment to be in
someone’s life for a long time or making a commitment to see a particular situation through to its end.
Some people with a disability, particularly those who are dependent on services, have little
continuous contact with people. Residential care officers, mental health workers, social workers, case
managers often come and go. Hence it is important to make a realistic commitment to be there.

3. Emphasis on major needs

As an advocate you need to concentrate on a person’s fundamental needs first. A person’s need for a
home of their own, enduring relationships, to be free from abuse, to be healthy and safe may take
priority over encouraging a person to attend personal development courses or even having work.

4. Mindful of parties even more needy than the person you are advocating for

There may be other parties whose needs must be considered. For example, the child of parents who
lack competence is more vulnerable than those parents. Advocates for the parents must bear in mind
the needs of the vulnerable child and at least arrange independent advocacy for the child.

An Advocate can help you by:-

Going to a meeting with you.
Making a phone call for you.
Helping you to write a letter or writing a letter with you.
Helping you to send or write email.
Speaking for you.
Listening to you so they can understand your concerns.
Speaking for you about your worries or about a particular problem.
What are the benefits of advocacy?
Advocacy can help people to:-
It will help your voice to be heard.
It will give you information, support, and a Make their own views and wishes clear.
service to help you make choices. Help with expressing their views
It will help you to get people to understand effectively.
your point of view. Represent their views faithfully and
It can make it easier for you get effectively.
information in a way that you can Get independent and accurate
understand. information.
It will help you to see what other services Help different view points to be heard.
are available.
It will help you choose what you want to
do.
It is a free and confidential service.

Advocacy is NOT:
Being a friend or counselor.
Persuading the person to agree with others.
The Advocate deciding what is in the person's best interests.
Complaining - Advocacy is not an alternative complaints procedure.
Campaigning - although it may highlight problems and gaps in particular services.
Providing social support - for example managing someone's financial affairs or organising transport.
Interpreting for a person whose first language is not English.
A mediation service. There are mediation services available –
A long term service (except for Citizen Advocacy)

National development is the ability of a county or countries to improve the social welfare of the people e.g by
providing social amenities like quality education, potable water, transportation infrastructure, medical care, etc.

National Economic and Development Authority (Pambansang Pangasiwaan sa Kabuhayan at

Pagpapaunlad), or NEDA, is an independent cabinet-level agency of the Philippine government responsible for
economic development and planning. It is headed by the President of the Philippinesas chairman of the NEDA
board, with the Secretary of Socio-Economic Planning, concurrently NEDA Director-General, as vice-chairman.
A number of Cabinetmembers, the Governor of the Central Bank, the Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila
Development Authority, the Governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Chairman of
the Commission on Information and Communications Technology, the Chairman of the Subic-Clark Area
Development Corporation, and the National President of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines are
members of the NEDA Board.

The powers and functions of the NEDA reside in the NEDA Board. It is the Philippines' premier social and
economic development planning and policy coordinating body. The Board is composed of the President as
chairman, the Secretary of Socio-Economic Planning and NEDA Director-General as vice-chairman, and the
following as members: the Executive Secretary and the Secretaries of Finance, Trade and Industry, Agriculture,
Environment and Natural Resources, Public Works and Highways, Budget and Management, Labor and
Employment, and Interior and Local Government.
EXAMPLES OF SOCIAL ADVOCACIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Center for Migrant Advocacy – Philippines (CMA-Phils.) is an advocacy group that promotes the
rights of overseas Filipinos – land- or sea-based migrant workers and Filipino immigrants – and their families.
The Center works to help improve the economic, social and political conditions of migrant Filipino families
everywhere through policy advocacy, information dissemination, networking, capability-building, and direct
assistance. http://centerformigrantadvocacy.com/

The Customer Experience Philippines believes that Philippine consumers deserve nothing short of great
customer service. http://www.customerexperiencephilippines.com/

to let companies that fall short of providing the product quality and standard of service they promise
know that consumers are not turning a blind eye.

to help you know your rights as a consumer, and we are an information hub to help you save time on
your next enquiry or application.

to change the face of Filipino customer service forever.

The Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) is cognizant of this need and in an effort to help address this concern, has
created the Advocacy Committee on Tobacco Control in 2008. Its goal is to ensure effective public health literacy on
tobacco use as a medical condition or illness, patient empowerment and eventually a decrease in mortality and morbidity in
the country. http://www.pcp.org.ph/

Green Architecture Movement of the United Architects of the Philippines under the chairmanship of
Ar. Edgar Reformado, fuap were vigorously pursuing for several years their lofty goal of promoting the practice
or green architecture in the country’s construction industry but felt they could do more to achieve this outside
the confines of the UAP ‘s mandate. Environmental awareness and green architecture are the catch that
suddenly seems to have flooded the media. It has become fashionable to be “green.” Through green
architecture it would help us in taking good care of our planet. http://www.greenarchiadvoc.org

Justice and Advocacy: Philippines Human Rights work with the National Council of Churches in the
Philippines and advocacy partners like the human rights organization Karapatan in the Philippines to raise
awareness and speak out on the human rights abuses suffered by the UCCP and its members and communities.
http://globalministries.org

Reproductive Health Advocacy Philippines The objectives of FPOP as described in this brief, includes
advocating for an improved sexual and reproductive health policy environment, increase support for
contraception and counter anti-family planning campaigns. Strategies include intensifying grassroots advocacy,
conducting high-impact advocacy campaigns, integrating advocacy into reproductive health interventions, and
improving awareness of reproductive health issues among media professionals.
http://advancefamilyplanning.org/

Center for Environmental Concerns Philippines Helping communities address environmental challenges.
We work to cultivate environmental awareness and action, create a community of advocates, and contribute to
the defense of ecosystems and peoples through empowering education, community-based research, and
people-oriented, patriotic, and scientific advocacy. http://www.cecphils.org
Filipino Advocates for Justice formerly Filipinos for Affirmative Action, was established in 1973 in response
to the discrimination and alienation faced by the influx of immigrant newcomers from the Philippines. Our work
is grounded in the spirit of Bayanihan (people helping people). Over the years we have been an advocate for
immigrant and civil rights for the Filipino community and served the more vulnerable in our community by
helping recent arrivals, youth and low wage workers navigate the challenges and hurdles of life in the US.
http://www.filipinos4justice.org

Philippine Foundation For The Rehabilitation Of The Disabled (PFRD) has the distinction of being the oldest
non-governmental organization (NGO) that has worked for the last 59 years to address the needs of disabled
persons. http://pfrd.org.ph/

Adocates for Children and Elders International is a duly registered non-government Organization composed
of community leaders and advocates worldwide whose mission is to protect the human rights and improve the
lives of underprivileged children and elders in the Philippine through a sustained and effecive program of
human welfare and development. http://ace-international-philippines.org/

We Can Be Anything is an education advocacy campaign, born of a partnership between the Apl.de.Ap
Foundation (AdAF) and the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF). http://www.wecanbeanything.com

to help improve the education situation in the Philippines.

to tell young Filipinos that he was able to go so far in life because he got an education, to deliver this
message, he has composed the song, “We Can Be”, around which a campaign could be built.

To give apl.de.ap a platform for his advocacy, NCAF appointed him the special ambassador for
education of the iamninoy-iamcory Movement in February 2011.

HELPFUL LINKS

http://www.agedrights.asn.au/rights/whatis.html

http://www.studentadvocacy.net/

http://web.uplug.org/

http://umanitoba.ca/student/resource/student_advocacy/2791.html